Has anyone read the newer book A Day To Die For: 1996: Everest's Worst Disaster - One Survivor's Personal Journey to Uncover the Truth? It seems like every book about Everest “reveals” the truth about some disaster. I thought it looks interesting since I have read many books on this tragedy, and it’s hard to think there are yet even more facts!? From those of you who have read it, is it worth the read?Here’s a description of the book

On the night of 10-11 May 1996, eight climbers perished in what remains the worst disaster in Everest's history. Following the tragedy, numerous accounts were published, with Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air becoming an international bestseller. But has the whole story been told? A Day to Die For reveals for the first time the full, startling facts that led to the tragedy. Graham Ratcliffe, the first British climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest twice, was a first-hand witness, having spent the night on Everest's South Col at 26,000 ft, sheltering from the deadly storm. For years, he has shouldered a burden of guilt, feeling that he and his teammates could have saved lives that fateful night. His quest for answers has led to discoveries so important to an understanding of the disaster that he now questions why these facts were not made public sooner. History is dotted with highprofile disasters that both horrify and capture the attention of the public, but very rarely is our view of them revised to such devastating effect.

"uncover the truth" "reveal the truth" "the untold story" = good marketing

I suppose with every account there is a new perspective and more "truth telling". Personally, the Jon Krakauer book is all need on the 1996 Everest disaster. Do I think it is the absolute truth or last word? Far from it, in fact I think you can argue that the author attempts to exculpate himself a bit. But it is a damn good read and Krakauer tells a good story. That is why I read the book.

While I have yet to read Ratcliffe's book it does look interesting. He has been to Everest four times, twice before the 1996 disaster, and was on the South Col during the storm. His main focus is on the 1996 weather - who knew what and when. This is actually the 21st book either by or about someone who was there.

Krakauer's book is certainly a great read but I would also encourage folks to read Anatoli Boukreev's book 'The Climb' to get a different perspective.

topworldbooks wrote:While I have yet to read Ratcliffe's book it does look interesting. He has been to Everest four times, twice before the 1996 disaster, and was on the South Col during the storm. His main focus is on the 1996 weather - who knew what and when. This is actually the 21st book either by or about someone who was there.

Krakauer's book is certainly a great read but I would also encourage folks to read Anatoli Boukreev's book 'The Climb' to get a different perspective.

Cheers, Greg (Top of the World Books)

I started with Krakauer's In To Thin Air, then read Beck Weather's Left For Dead. Ed Viesturs includes a chapter in No ShortCuts to the Top. I had to read Anatoli Bourkreev's response in The Climb. The 1996 season is also directly referenced in Michael Kodas' High Crimes. Now I'll have to check out Ratcliffe's book too. What are the other 16 books?